A shadow loomed over the final practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix as two separate incidents involving contact between drivers resulted in reprimands.
As the session neared its conclusion, the usual jostling for track position intensified, leading to frustration and minor skirmishes.
Charles Leclerc, believing Lando Norris was blocking him through a corner, took an assertive line alongside the McLaren driver, causing a light brush between the cars.
This resulted in damage to Norris’ front wing, while Leclerc vented his anger on the team radio.
Mirroring Leclerc’s incident, Lance Stroll found himself in a similar situation with Lewis Hamilton in the same corner.
While Hamilton was on a slower lap, Stroll seemed displeased by being held up. When Hamilton attempted to cede space by moving to the racing line’s edge, Stroll made an aggressive move to overtake, causing minor contact.
This close call forced Stroll’s team to inspect his car for potential damage, adding to the pre-qualifying tension.
Tempers flared after final practice at the Spanish Grand Prix as stewards placed Charles Leclerc and Lance Stroll under scrutiny for aggressive driving that might have breached FIA regulations on dangerous maneuvers.
Although both drivers avoided significant penalties, they weren’t entirely off the hook. The stewards issued them their first warnings of the season for erratic behavior.
Leclerc maintained his contact with Lando Norris was a complete accident. He contended he miscalculated the space available and made unintended contact while attempting to vacate the racing line.
The stewards considered his explanation but still judged the maneuver as erratic, resulting in a reprimand based on precedent.
Stroll, on the other hand, was upfront about his actions being a deliberate response to Lewis Hamilton impeding him. He admitted he intended to voice his frustration by crowding Hamilton after the corner.
The contact was minor, but mirroring Leclerc’s penalty, the stewards highlighted the maneuver’s erratic nature despite the absence of danger.